Compact removable display hoist

ABSTRACT

A display hoist includes a first clamp configured to be coupled to a first portion of a telescoping support member, a second clamp configured to be coupled to a second portion of the telescoping support member, and an actuator assembly extending between the first clamp and the second clamp. The actuator assembly includes an actuator motor, a piston including a first end and a second end, the first end of the piston mechanically coupled to the first clamp, the second end of the piston operably coupled to the actuator motor, and a housing disposed over at least a portion of the piston and enclosing the actuator motor, the housing including a top end and a bottom end, the housing mechanically coupled at the top end to the second clamp.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to a removabledisplay hoist, and more particularly, to a compact removable displayhoist configured to be coupled to a telescoping support member of adisplay system, such that, during operation, a display is raised orelevated on the display system.

In the casino gaming industry, overhead displays are often used toadvertise a game or bank of games. To advertise effectively, manyoverhead displays are made quite large and are designed to be mountedhigh over a particular game or bank of games, e.g., at a presentationlevel, which may range to a distance of between seven and ten feet froma casino floor. In weight, common overhead displays range in thehundreds of pounds.

The effort required to mount such large overhead displays can besignificant, particularly in the case of manual installation, such as aninstallation performed by a technician using a ladder. Manualinstallation may also pose a danger to the technician, such as from arisk of falling. To relieve some of the difficulty associated withpurely manual installation, in some cases, a mounting system, such as asmall crane lift, may be engaged with the display to raise the displayto the presentation level. However, such systems are themselves bulkyand may be awkward to transport and utilize within the confines of abustling casino.

A removable display hoist, as described herein, is therefore desirable.More particularly, a compact removable display hoist capable of beingcoupled to and decoupled from a telescoping support member of a displaysystem to raise or lower an overhead display of the display system isdesirable. It is further desirable that the removable display hoist beeasily transportable by a single technician (e.g., in a single trip) andconfigured for close-quarters operation on a busy casino gaming floor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, a display hoist is disclosed. The display hoist includesa first clamp configured to be coupled to a first portion of atelescoping support member, a second clamp configured to be coupled to asecond portion of the telescoping support member, and an actuatorassembly extending between the first clamp and the second clamp. Theactuator assembly includes an actuator motor, a piston including a firstend and a second end, the first end of the piston mechanically coupledto the first clamp, the second end of the piston operably coupled to theactuator motor, and a housing disposed over at least a portion of thepiston and enclosing the actuator motor, the housing including a top endand a bottom end, the housing mechanically coupled at the top end to thesecond clamp.

In another aspect, a system is disclosed. The system includes a display,a first telescoping support member configured to support the display,the first telescoping support member including an inner member and anouter member, the outer member disposed at least partially about theinner member, the outer member coupled to the display. The system alsoincludes a second telescoping support member configured to support thedisplay, the second telescoping support member including an inner memberand an outer member, the outer member disposed at least partially aboutthe inner member, the outer member coupled to the display. In addition,the system includes a first display hoist coupled to the firsttelescoping support member and configured to raise the display on thefirst telescoping support member, and a second display hoist coupled tothe second telescoping support member and configured to raise thedisplay on the second telescoping support member.

In yet another aspect, a method for hoisting a display is disclosed. Themethod includes receiving, by a display hoist controller, an instructionto raise a display from a lower position to an elevated position, andactuating, by the display hoist controller and in response, a firstdisplay hoist. The first display hoist includes a first clamp, a secondclamp, an actuator motor, a piston including a first end and a secondend, the first end of the piston mechanically coupled to the firstclamp, the second end of the piston operably coupled to the actuatormotor, and a housing disposed over at least a portion of the piston andenclosing the actuator motor, the housing including a top end and abottom end, the housing mechanically coupled at the top end to thesecond clamp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An exemplary embodiment of the subject matter disclosed will now bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of exemplary components of a gaming machine.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of exemplary components of a gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of exemplary components of a memory.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary network gaming system.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a display system configured for use withat least one removable display hoist.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a removable display hoist, as shown at FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a removable display hoist, as shown at FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for hoisting adisplay using the display system shown at FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the display system shown at FIG. 6, inwhich the display system is in a raised position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a removabledisplay hoist. The removable display hoist facilitates deployment of alarge overhead display within a casino. In particular, embodiments ofthe removable display hoist include a first clamp configured to becoupled to an inner member of a telescoping support member of a displaysystem and a second clamp configured to be coupled to an outer member ofthe telescoping support member. As the removable display hoist isactuated, the hoist drives the outer member of the telescoping supportmember over its inner member to place the telescoping support member inan extended or telescoped position. In the exemplary embodiment, a firstremovable display hoist is coupled to a first telescoping support memberand a second removable display hoist is coupled to a second telescopingsupport member, and each display hoist is actuated in tandem, such thatan overhead display mounted atop each telescoping support member israised to a presentation level.

FIGS. 1-5 generally relate to an exemplary gaming machine and anexemplary network of gaming machines and are intended, in part, toprovide a backdrop against which the removable display hoist describedherein may be understood. For example, a removable display hoist, asdescribed herein, may be deployed in conjunction with one or more gamingmachines, one or more networks of gaming machines, and the like. In somecases, the removable display hoist may be coupled to one or more gamingmachines or networks of gaming machines. For instance, the removabledisplay hoist may be communicatively coupled to a gaming machine or abank of gaming machines, such that the one or more gaming machines areoperable to provide control instructions to the removable display hoist.

Accordingly, gaming machines of the present disclosure may beimplemented in various configurations for gaming machines, including butnot limited to: (1) a gaming machine in which the computerizedinstructions for controlling one or more games are stored within thegaming machine prior to delivery to a gaming establishment; and/or (2) achangeable gaming machine in which the computerized instructions forcontrolling one or more games are subsequently downloaded to the gamingmachine through a data network after the gaming machine is installedwithin in a gaming establishment.

In an exemplary embodiment, the computerized instructions forcontrolling one or more games may be executed by a server, such as, forexample, a central controller or remote host. In such a “thin client”architecture, the server may remotely control one or more games, orother suitable interfaces, via a gaming network, and the gaming machinemay be used to display the games, or suitable interfaces, and to receiveinputs or commands from a player.

In another exemplary embodiment, the instructions for controlling one ormore games are communicated from a server to a local processor andmemory coupled within a gaming machine. In such a “thick client”architecture, a processor of the gaming machine may execute thecommunicated instructions to control the game or games and/or othersuitable interfaces provided to a player.

In another exemplary embodiment, one or more gaming machines within agaming machine network may utilize a thin client architecture and one ormore gaming machines within a gaming machine network may utilize a thickclient architecture. Similarly, in various exemplary embodiments,certain functions of a particular gaming machine may be implemented in athin client architecture and certain other functions of the gamingmachine may be implemented in a thick client architecture. For instance,instructions for controlling a game or games may be communicated from aserver to one or more network gaming machines operating in a thickclient configuration, while instructions for controlling any secondarygames or bonus gaming functions may executed by the server in a thinclient configuration.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine 10. Gamingmachine 10 may include a support structure, housing, console or cabinet12 that provides support for a plurality of interface units, displays,inputs, controls and other features of a conventional gaming machine.Gaming machine 10 may be configured so that a player can operate itwhile standing or sitting. Moreover, gaming machine 10 may be positionedon a base or stand, or can be configured as a pub-style table-top game(not shown) that a player can operate while seated. Gaming machine 10may include varying numbers and styles of cabinets 12, displayconfigurations, and the like without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

In an exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 10 may include a display 14.Gaming machine 10 may further include a mid-trim 20, which may house abank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with gaming machine10 and/or a credit input mechanism 24.

Gaming machine 10 may also include a player marketing module configuredto scan or read a player tracking device, such as, for example a loyaltyor player tracking card implemented within a casino as part of a loyaltyprogram. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flashdrive, and/or any other portable storage medium capable of being read bythe reading device. In some embodiments, the player marketing module maybe configured to transfer credits between gaming machine 10 and theplayer tracking device.

Gaming machine 10 may further include a top box 26, which may, in turn,include artwork, such as, for example, artwork depicting one or more paytables, bonus award information, an upper display (not shown), and/orother game information or imagery. Further artwork and/or informationmay be provided on a front panel 29 of console 12. A coin tray 30 may bemounted beneath front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from gamingmachine 10.

Display 14 may include, without limitation, a monitor, a televisiondisplay, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) a displaybased on light emitting diodes (LED), a display based on a plurality oforganic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display based on polymerlight-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display based on a plurality ofsurface-conduction electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including aprojected and/or reflected image or any other suitable electronic deviceor display mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, display 14 includes atouch-screen or touch-sensitive screen. In various embodiments, display14 may be of any suitable size and configuration, such as any circular,square, rectangular, or other geometric configuration.

Display 14 may be further configured to provide haptic feedback. Top box26 may also include a display, which may be of the same or differentfrom display 14.

Display 14 may, in various embodiments, display a game and/or acceptgame play data from a player. Moreover, display 14 may also displayinformation relating to an interactive game, wager triggering event, orwagering outcome. In an exemplary embodiment, an upper display (notshown) mounted in top box 26 may display any wagering outcome, anysuitable secondary game associated or not associated with theinteractive game, or any information relating to the interactive games.The upper display may also be configured to accept game play data from aplayer.

Display 14 may, in addition, serve as digital signage operable toadvertise one or more games or other aspects of the gamingestablishment. In an exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 10 may alsoinclude a credit or fund display 20, which may display a player'scurrent number of credits, cash accumulated, account balance, anoriginal number of credits the player funded the gaming machine with, oran equivalent of any of the aforementioned, and the like. Moreover, inan exemplary embodiment, display 14 may display an amount being wageredor a player's accumulated winnings.

In an exemplary embodiment, and as described in greater detail herein,display 14 may display at least one game or game image, game symbol orsymbols, and game indicia, such as any visual representation orexhibition of a movement of objects, including, for example, anymechanical, virtual, or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting, videoimages, images of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards,and the like. In various embodiments, the symbols, images and indiciadescribed above may be displayed mechanically, such as by one or moremechanical or physical reels. In other words, display 14 may include anyelectromechanical device, such as one or more rotatable or spinningwheels, reels or dice, any of which may be configured to display atleast one or a plurality of games or other suitable images, symbols orindicia.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary player interface 50 and gamecontroller 60 of gaming machine 10. Player interface 50 and gamecontroller 60 may be housed within gaming machine 10, such as on aprinted circuit board located within cabinet 12 of gaming machine 10. Asdescribed herein, player interface 50 may be arranged to enable manualinteraction between a player and the gaming system and for this purposeincludes various input/output components required for the player toenter instructions to play the game and observe the game outcomes.

Components of player interface 50 may include at least one credit inputmechanism 24, at least one display 14, a game play mechanism 56(including one or more input devices that enable a player to input gameplay instructions or place a wager), and/or one or more audio outputdevices 58 (e.g., one or more speakers).

Game controller 60 may be in data communication with player interface 50and may include at least one processor 62 or other suitable controller,such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitableintegrated circuit or one or more application-specific integratedcircuits (ASICs). Processor 62 may be coupled in communication with, ormay be operable to access or to exchange signals with, at least one datastorage module or memory 64. Processor 62 may thus be configured toretrieve game play instructions from memory 64, process the game playinstructions in accordance with game play rules, and output one or moregame play outcomes to display 54.

Memory 64 may include any suitable tangible, non-transitory,computer-readable storage medium. Memory 64 may store program code andinstructions, executable by processor 62, to control gaming machine 10.Memory 64 may also store other data, such as, for example, image data,one or more pay tables or pay table data, event data, player input data,random or pseudo-random number generators, or numbers generated by arandom number of pseudo-random number generator, look-up table data,and/or information and applicable game rules that relate to the play ofgaming machine 10.

With brief attention to FIG. 3, a block diagram of memory 64 is shown.Memory 64 may, in various embodiments, include a memory 103 (asdescribed herein with reference to FIG. 3). Memory 103 may includerandom access memory (RAM) 103A, such as non-volatile RAM (NVRAM),magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms ascommonly understood in the gaming industry. Memory 103 may furtherinclude read only memory (ROM), such as EPROM 103B or electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Memory 64 may furtherinclude one or more mass storage devices 103C, such as one or more harddrives, one or more solid state or flash memory components, one or moreCD and/or DVD drives, and the like. Any other suitable magnetic,optical, and/or semiconductor memory may be used to operate inconjunction with gaming machine 10 that enables gaming machine 10 tofunction as described herein.

In an exemplary embodiment, RAM 103A may temporarily store one or moreprogram files (and/or other related data) for execution by processor 62.EPROM 103B may include a boot ROM device and/or may contain some systemor game related code. Mass storage device 103C may store one or moregame programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/orauthenticated by the processor 62 through the use of protected orencrypted code stored, for example, on EPROM 103B.

In various embodiments, part or all of the program code and/or operatingdata described above is stored in a detachable or removable memory,including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVDor USB memory device. In addition, in various embodiments, all or partof the program code and/or operating data described above may bedownloadable to memory 64 by way of any suitable computer network.

In an exemplary embodiment, a desktop computer, a laptop personalcomputer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a tabletcomputing device or other portable computing device, and/or any othercomputerized platform may implement the computing operations of thepresent disclosure. For example, any suitable mobile computing device,such as any smartphone or tablet computing device, may implement andenable gameplay as described herein. It should be appreciated that eachgaming machine 10 disclosed herein may include a device that hasobtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission or a device thathas not obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission. It shouldalso be appreciated that processor 62 and memory 64 may be collectivelyreferred to herein as a “computer” or “controller.”

Returning briefly to FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, credit inputmechanism 24 may be coupled in communication with processor 62. Creditinput mechanism 24 may include any suitable credit input mechanism ordevice, such as a coin input chute 24A, a bill or ticket collector 24B,and the like. Credit input mechanism may be configured to receive anysuitable monetary credit, such as money, coins, tokens, tickets, and thelike. In various embodiments, credit input mechanism 24 may furtherinclude card reader devices, such as credit or debit card readers orvalidators for credit cards, debit cards, printed ticket printers and/orreaders, and the like.

In various embodiments, a player may insert an identification card (notshown) into a card reader of gaming machine 10. The identification cardmay be a smart card that includes a programmed microchip or a magneticstrip coded with a player's identification, credit totals (or relateddata) and other relevant information. A player may further carry aportable device, such as a cell phone or smart phone, a radio frequencyidentification tag or any other suitable wireless communication device,which communicates a player's identification, credit totals (or relateddata) and other relevant information to gaming machine 10. In anembodiment, money may be transferred to gaming machine 10 via anelectronic funds transfer process. When a player funds gaming machine10, processor 62 may determine an amount of funds entered and displaythe corresponding amount on the display 14.

Game play mechanism 56 may include at least one input device that iscoupled in communication with processor 62. An input device may includeany device that enables a player to produce an input signal that isreceivable by processor 62. For example, in one embodiment, afterfunding gaming machine 10, the input device may include a gameactivation device, such as a pull arm or one or more play button 22 thatenables the player to start the game or a sequence of events in gamingmachine 10. Play button 22 may include any suitable play activator suchas a bet one button, a max bet button, or a repeat the bet button. In anembodiment, after appropriate funding of gaming machine 10, game playmay begin automatically.

In an exemplary embodiment, one input device may include a “Bet One”button. A player may place a wager or bet by pushing the Bet One buttonand may increase the wager by repeatedly depressing or selecting the BetOne button. In various embodiments, an input device includes a “Bet Max”button that enables a player to place a maximum wager permitted during aparticular game or game session.

In various embodiments, an input device may also include a “Cash Out”button. A player may depress or select a Cash Out button to receive acash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to thenumber of credits remaining. In an embodiment, when the player cashesout, the player receives coins or tokens in a coin payout tray. A playermay further receive tickets or credit slips, or the player'selectronically recordable identification card may be funded, in responseto selection of a Cash Out button.

In various embodiments, an input device may include a touch-screen thatis coupled to a touch-screen controller, or some other touch-sensitivedisplay overlay, to enable player interaction with images presented ondisplay 14. A touch-screen and/or touch-screen controller may becommunicatively coupled to a video controller, such that a player mayprovide input signals to gaming machine 10 by physically manipulating orinteracting with the touch-screen.

Gaming machine 10 may include a sensor, such as a camera (not shown)coupled in communication with processor 62. The camera may, in variousembodiments, be controlled by processor 62, such that a player maydirect the orientation and focus of the camera to acquire an image of aplayer actively playing gaming machine 10 and/or a surrounding area ofgaming machine 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the camera mayselectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and may beconfigured to acquire the images in either an analog, digital, or othersuitable format. Display 14 may be configured to display the imageacquired by the camera, as well as to display the visible manifestationof the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For example,the camera may acquire an image of the player and processor 62 mayincorporate that image into the interactive and/or secondary game as agame image, symbol or indicia.

FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed block diagram of various exemplaryfunctional components of a gaming machine 100, which may be the same asor different from gaming machine 10 (as shown in FIG. 2). The foregoingdescription of components (e.g., display 14, player interface 50, andgame controller 60) may therefore apply to the description of similarcomponents in gaming machine 100. For instance, processor 62 may be thesame as or different from 102, as described below. Similarly, memory 64may be the same as or different from memory 103 as described below.

Accordingly, gaming machine 100 may include a game controller 101 (whichmay include a processor 102 mounted on a circuit board, as described ingreater detail above). Instructions and data to control operation ofprocessor 102 may be stored in a memory 103 that is in datacommunication with processor 102. Gaming machine 100 may include bothvolatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type ofmemory, with such memories being collectively represented by memory 103.

Gaming machine 100 may further include one or more gaming meters, suchas, for example, one or more meters implemented in software, one or morehardware meters 104, and/or any suitable combination of software and/orhardware meters (to ensure regulatory compliance and to monitor playercredit). Gaming machine 100 may also include an input/output (I/O)interface 105 for communicating with peripheral devices of gamingmachine 100. Input/output interface 105 and/or the peripheral devicesmay include intelligent devices with their own memory for storingassociated instructions and data. A random number generator module 113may generate random numbers for use by processor 102. Persons skilled inthe art will appreciate that random number generator module 113 includesa pseudo-random number generator.

In an exemplary embodiment, a player interface 120 includes peripheraldevices that communicate with game controller 101 including one or moredisplays 106, a touch screen and/or input buttons 107 (which provide agame play mechanism), and a credit input mechanism, such as a cardand/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coininput mechanism 110, and a coin output mechanism 111. The credit inputmechanism is configured to receive a credit wager to initiate play of abase game, and establish a credit balance (e.g., using the receivedcredit wager) that is increasable and decreasable based on wageringactivity within a game. Player interface 120 also includes a payoutmechanism such as a printer 109 and/or a coin output mechanism 111. Thepayout mechanism is configured to output a payout to a player of gamingmachine 100 based on an outcome of the game (e.g., a base game and/or afeature game).

Additional hardware may be included as part of gaming machine 100, orhardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. Forexample, although buttons or touch screens are typically used in gamingmachines to allow a player to place a wager and to initiate a play of agame any input device that enables the player to input game playinstructions may be used. For example, in some gaming machines amechanical handle may be used to initiate a play of the game. Personsskilled in the art will also appreciate that a touch screen can be usedto emulate other input devices, such as, for example, a touch screenthat can display virtual buttons that a player can “press” by touchingthe screen where they are displayed.

In addition, gaming machine 100 may include a communications interface,such as, for example a network card 112. Network card 112 may, forexample, send status information, accounting information and/or otherinformation to a bonus controller, central controller, server ordatabase and receive data or commands from the bonus controller, centralcontroller, an/or server or database. In various embodiments (e.g.,embodiments that employ a player marketing module), communications overa network may be via the player marketing module—e.g., the playermarketing module may be in data communication with one or more of theabove devices.

In various embodiments, components of gaming machine 100 may bedistributed. For example, in an embodiment, input/output devices 106,107, 108, 109, 110, and 111 may be provided remotely from gamecontroller 101.

FIG. 5 illustrates such an exemplary distributed gaming system 200.Gaming system 200 may include a network 201, which, for example, mayinclude a wired or wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi or BLUETOOTHnetwork, an Ethernet network, an RS-232 network, and/or any combinationthereof. In an exemplary embodiment, gaming machines 202, shown arrangedin three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202, are connected to network201. Gaming machines 202 may provide a player operable interface and maybe the same as (or substantially similar to) the gaming machines 10and100 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), or may have simplified functionalitydepending, for example, on various game play requirements.

One or more displays 204 may also be connected to network 201. Forexample, displays 204 may be associated with one or more banks 203 ofgaming machines. Displays 204 may be used to display representationsassociated with game play on gaming machines 202 and/or used to displayother representations, such as, for example promotional or informationalmaterial. Displays 204 may be the same as or substantially similar todisplay 14, as described above.

In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 may implement part of thegame played by a player using gaming machine 202, and gaming machine 202may implement part of the game. In such an embodiment, insofar as bothgame server 205 and gaming machine 202 may implement part of the game,they may collectively include a game controller. A database managementserver 206 may manage storage of game programs and associated data fordownloading or access by gaming machines 202 in a database 206A.Typically, if gaming system 200 enables players to participate in ajackpot game, a jackpot server 207 may be provided to perform accountingfunctions for the jackpot game. A loyalty program server 212 may also beprovided.

In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 may implement most or allof the game played by a player using gaming machine 202, and gamingmachine 202 may, in essence, function provide little more than theplayer interface. In such an embodiment, game server 205 may include thegame controller. Gaming machine 202 may thus receive player instructionsand transmit those instructions to game server 205. Further, in a thinclient embodiment, gaming machines 202 may be computer terminals, suchas, for example, personal computers, laptop computers, tablet computingdevices, smartphones, and the like running software that provides aplayer interface. Other client/server configurations are contemplatedand are within the scope of this disclosure. Additional details of aclient/server architecture may be found in WO 2006/052213 andPCT/SE2006/000559, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

One or more servers may be provided to assist in the administration ofgaming system 200. Such servers may include, for example, a gaming floormanagement server 208, and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use oflicenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 maybe provided to allow an administrator to run network 201 and the devicesconnected to network 201.

Gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming systems and/or otherlocal networks, such as, for example a corporate network, and/or a widearea network such as the Internet Communications may be filtered througha firewall 211.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with knowntechniques, functionality at the server side of network 201 may bedistributed over a plurality of different computers. For example,elements may be run as a single “engine” on one server or a separateserver may be provided. For example, game server 205 may implement arandom number generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random numbergenerator server may be provided. Further, persons skilled in the artwill appreciate that a plurality of game servers may be provided toimplement different games or a single game server may implement aplurality of different games as required by the terminals.

In an exemplary embodiment, a player may place a wager using the gameplay mechanism 56. A game (or game session) may be initiated in responseto placement of the wager, a plurality of symbols randomly drawn, and agame (or game session) outcome determined based upon the symbols drawn.A game outcome may be compared to a pay table (which may be stored in acomputer memory) to determine a payout or award (also referred to hereinas a win entitlement). Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that aplayer's wager can be varied from game to game dependent on playerselections.

In various embodiments, a wager may include a selection of a number oflines to be played during a game session. Such lines may include aninterconnected combination of symbol display positions. Each selectedline may be evaluated to identify winning combinations of symbols. A paytable (e.g., a pay table stored in memory 64) may be referenced toidentify a payout or award based upon an identified winning combinationof symbols. In various embodiments, an award may be multiplied orincreased by a multiplication factor as well.

In an exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 202 may generate an awardthat is not based solely upon a number of a lines selected. For example,“scatter” pays (e.g., randomly selected awards that are not identifiedbased upon a plurality of adjacent symbols) may be awarded independentlyof a player's selection of pay lines.

With reference now to FIGS. 6-10, a display system including a pluralityof removable display hoists is described. As described herein, thedisplay system, including any number of removable display hoists, may becoupled to and/or used with the electronic gaming machines and systemsdescribed above. For example, a removable display hoist may be coupledto an electronic gaming machine and/or configured to stand over one ormore gaming machines or banks of gaming machines.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a display system 600 configured for usewith a plurality of removable display hoists. In the exemplaryembodiment, display system 600 includes a base 602, a first telescopingsupport member 604, a second telescoping support member 606, and adisplay 608. As shown, display 608 is coupled to and mounted atop firsttelescoping support member 604 and second telescoping support member606.

As described in greater detail below, first telescoping support member604 and second telescoping support member 606 each include an innermember disposed within and configured to slide into and out of a tubularouter member. Support members 604 and 606 are thus “telescoping,” inthat a length or height of each member 604 and 606 is adjustable.

To hoist display 608, a first removable display hoist 610 and a secondremovable display hoist 612 may be coupled to first telescoping supportmember 604 and second telescoping support member 606, respectively. Moreparticularly, first removable display hoist 610 may be coupled to firsttelescoping support member 604 to adjust a length of (e.g., raise and/orlower) first telescoping support member 604, and second removabledisplay hoist 612 may be coupled to second telescoping support member606 to adjust a length of (e.g., raise and/or lower) second telescopingsupport member 606. In other words, first removable display hoist 610and second removable display hoist 612 can be coupled to a respectivesupport member 604 and 606 to effect telescopic motion of the respectivesupport member 604 and 606. As telescoping support members 604 and 606are raised and lowered, display 608 (mounted atop members 604 and 606)is also raised and lowered. Thus, first removable display hoist 610 andsecond removable display hoist 612 are configured to drive a respectivetelescoping support member 604 and 606 through a range of telescopicmotion to raise and/or lower display 608.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a removable display hoist 700, such as eitherof removable display hoist 610 and/or removable display hoist 612 (shownat FIG. 6). Removable display hoist 700 is shown coupled to atelescoping support member 702, such as either of first telescopingsupport member 604 and/or second telescoping support member 606 (shownat FIG. 6). Although a single removable display hoist 700 is describedwith respect to FIG. 7, it will be understood that display system 600includes two telescoping support members (e.g., telescoping supportmembers 604 and 606). Thus, in operation, two removable display hoists610 and 612 may be implemented in conjunction with each of thetelescoping support members 604 and 606. More generally, any suitablenumber of removable display hoists may be implemented, such as, forexample, to match a number of telescoping support members supportingdisplay 608.

In the exemplary embodiment, telescoping support member 702 extendsalong the axis A-A′ and includes an inner member 704 and an outer member706. Inner member 704 and outer member 706 are elongated structuralmembers. Further, as described briefly above, outer member 706 isgenerally tubular and includes an inner surface (not shown) defining agenerally tubular passage (not shown) through which inner member 704extends. During operation, outer member 706 telescopes (e.g., slides ortranslates) over inner member 704 along the axis A-A′, such that outermember 706 is raised and/or lowered over inner member 704 to raiseand/or lower display 608, which may be coupled to and mounted on amounting flange 708 of outer member 706.

FIG. 8 is a side view of removable display hoist 700 (shown at FIG. 7).Removable display hoist 700 is shown coupled to telescoping supportmember 702. In the exemplary embodiment, removable display hoist 700includes an actuator assembly 709, which may include a piston 710 havinga first end 712 and a second end 714. Actuator assembly 709 alsoincludes a housing 716 that extends at least partially about piston 710and within which piston 710 is able to travel, such as parallel to theaxis A-A′. Thus, housing 716 telescopes over piston 710, similar to theway that outer member 706 of telescoping support member 702 telescopesover inner member 704. Housing 716 also includes a bottom end 718 and atop end 720.

Further, as shown, actuator assembly 709 of removable display hoist 700includes an actuator motor 722. In various embodiments, actuator motor722 is any suitable motor, such as, for example, any suitable linearactuator or linear motor. In some embodiments, actuator motor 722 mayinclude a rotary motor, which may be coupled to piston 710 through anassembly configured to convert rotary motion to linear motion. In otherembodiments, actuator motor 722 may be configured for manual operation.For example, in some embodiments, actuator motor 722 may include a handcrank, which an installation technician may turn to actuate removabledisplay hoist 700, as described herein. Actuator motor 722 is securedwithin housing 716 and coupled to second end 714 of piston 710. Thus,actuator motor 722 is configured to drive piston 710 of removabledisplay hoist 700.

In the exemplary embodiment, a controller 723, such as a display hoistcontroller, is communicatively coupled to removable display hoist 700.For example, in some embodiments, controller 723 is coupled to actuatormotor 722 and provides control instructions to actuator motor 722, suchas an instruction engage or drive actuator motor 722, which may, asdescribed herein, cause removable display hoist 700 to engage with andraise and/or lower telescoping support member 702.

In addition, although not shown, removable display hoist 700 and/orcontroller 723 may be coupled to a power source, which may provideelectrical power to removable display hoist 700 during operation. Insome cases, the power source may reside in an electronic gaming machineproximal to removable display hoist 700. Similarly, in some cases,controller 723 may couple to a controller of a proximal electronicgaming machine and/or through a controller of a proximal electronicgaming machine to a backend server. In other embodiments, controller 723may simply be a gaming machine controller and/or a controller residingon a backend system. Thus, in various embodiments, an electronic gamingmachine controller and/or a backend server may provide one or morecontrol instructions to controller 723 of removable display hoist 700.

Removable display hoist 700 also includes a first clamp 724 and a secondclamp 726. First clamp 724 may be coupled to top end 720 of housing 716.However, in other embodiments, first clamp 724 may be coupled to piston710, housing 716, and/or actuator motor 722 through a mounting joint728, which may couple to and/or extend over top end 720 of housing 716.Similarly, second clamp 726 may be coupled to first end 712 of piston710, such as through a mounting joint 730, which may extend from firstend 712 of piston 710. In various embodiments, mounting joints 728and/or 730 may be bonded (e.g., heat bonded) or otherwise fastened orsecured to first clamp 724 and/or second clamp 726, respectively.

In the exemplary embodiment, first clamp 724 includes a first flange732, a second flange 734, and one or more fasteners 736 configured toextend through first flange 732 and second flange 734. For example,first flange 732 and second flange 734 may include one or more mountingholes (not shown) through which one or more fasteners 736 (e.g., one ormore bolts) may be inserted. Similarly, second clamp 726 includes afirst flange 738, a second flange 740, and one or more fasteners 742configured to extend through first flange 738 and second flange 740. Forexample, first flange 738 and second flange 740 may include one or moremounting holes (not shown) through which one or more fasteners 742(e.g., one or more bolts) may be inserted.

To mount removable display hoist 700 on telescoping support member 702,a user, such as an installation technician, may couple first clamp 724to inner member 704 and second clamp 726 to outer member 706.Specifically, a user may sandwich or clamp inner member 704 betweenfirst flange 732 and second flange 734 of first clamp 724. The user may,in addition, insert at least one fastener 736 through first flange 732and second flange 734 to secure first clamp 724 on inner member 704. Theat least one fastener 736 may, in some embodiments, extend through a gapor another suitable opening in inner member 704, such that inner member704 is sandwiched or clamped between first flange 732 and second flange734.

Similarly, to couple second clamp 726 to outer member 706, a user maysandwich or clamp outer member 706 between first flange 738 and secondflange 740 of second clamp 726. The user may, in addition, insert atleast one fastener 742 through first flange 738 and second flange 740 tosecure second clamp 726 on outer member 706. The at least one fastener742 may, in some embodiments, extend through a gap or another suitableopening in outer member 706, such that outer member 706 is sandwiched orclamped between first flange 738 and second flange 740.

Removable display hoist 700 may thus be coupled to telescoping supportmember 702 by way of first clamp 724 and second clamp 726. Removabledisplay hoist 700 may also be decoupled from telescoping support member702 by simple removal of first clamp 724 and second clamp 726 fromtelescoping support member 702. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment,removable display hoist 700 can be coupled to and decoupled fromtelescoping support member 702. In the instance that removable displayhoist 700 is decoupled from telescoping support member 702, telescopingsupport member 702 may be maintained in an extended or telescopedposition by a locking mechanism (such as one or more fasteners insertedthrough telescoping support member 702) applied after removable displayhoist 700 is decoupled from telescoping support member 702. As such, thecoupling and decoupling operations described herein are simple and donot require a large number of tools. In addition, and as shown in theFigures, removable display hoist 700 is relatively compact and may betransported and utilized in close-quarters, such as on a busy casinofloor.

In some embodiments, removable display hoist 700 may be configured to beleft permanently and/or semi-permanently on telescoping support member702 after installation and/or, in some cases, a display system, such asdisplay system 600, may include telescoping support members that arepreinstalled with removable, or fixed (non-removable) display hoists. Inother words, in some embodiments, a display hoist, such as display hoist700, may not be removable from a telescoping support member, or displayhoist 700 may be removable, but may be intended to be left coupled to atelescoping support member after installation.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 900 for hoistingdisplay 608. Accordingly, in operation, controller 723 of removabledisplay hoist 700 may receive a control instruction, such as from auser, to raise or lower display 608 (step 902). In response, controller723 may provide a control signal to actuator motor 722, which may causeactuator motor 722 to actuate or engage piston 710, such that piston 710is impelled from and/or retracted into housing 716, and such thatremovable display hoist 700 telescopes (e.g., extends and/or retracts)axially parallel to the axis A-A′ (step 904). In other words, asactuator motor 722 engages piston 710, removable display hoist 700telescopes, and a length, “L,” of removable display hoist 700 increasesand/or decreases (depending upon the control signal provided to actuatormotor 722).

Further, as removable display hoist 700 telescopes, removable displayhoist 700 raises or lowers outer member 706 of telescoping supportmember 702 on inner member 704, causing outer member 706 to telescope oninner member 704. More particularly the coupling between first clamp 724and inner member 704 and second clamp 726 and outer member 706 permitsremovable display hoist 700 to raise and/or lower outer member 706 oninner member 704, such that outer member 706 telescopes on or is raisedand/or lowered over inner member 704. As outer member 706 telescopes oninner member 704, display 608 is simultaneously hoisted on outer member706, such as to a presentation level, “H.” In the case that outer member706 is lowered on inner member 704, display 608 may be lowered to anysuitable level, such as a working level (e.g., of several feet from theground), which may be useful for maintenance and/or removal of display608.

In various embodiments, removable display hoist 700 may include aplurality of stop positions. For example, removable display hoist 700may include any suitable number of stop positions, each of which maycorrespond to a designated presentation and/or working level. In otherembodiments, removable display hoist 700 may be capable of stopping atany location or position within its range of travel. Thus, in someembodiments, removable display hoist 700 includes a continuouslyvariable range of stop positions (e.g., a non-discrete number of stoppositions).

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of display system 600 (shown at FIG. 6) ina deployed or raised position. Accordingly, to raise display 608, firstremovable display hoist 610 may be coupled to first telescoping supportmember 604, and second removable display hoist 612 may be coupled tosecond telescoping support member 606. In operation, each removabledisplay hoist 610 and 612 may be controlled (e.g., by controller 723).Specifically, each removable display hoist 610 and 612 may be actuatedor engaged with a respective telescoping support member 604 and 606 toraise and lower display 608 on each telescoping support member 604 and606. In the exemplary embodiment, controller 723 may control eachremovable display hoist 610 and 612, such that each removable displayhoist 610 and 612 raises and lowers a respective telescoping supportmember 604 and 606 at a uniform rate of ascent and/or descent.

Embodiments of the removable display hoist, as described above,facilitate deployment of a large overhead display within a casino. Inparticular, embodiments of the removable display hoist include a firstclamp configured to be coupled to an inner member of a telescopingsupport member of a display system and a second clamp configured to becoupled to an outer member of the telescoping support member. As theremovable display hoist is actuated, the hoist drives the outer memberof the telescoping support member over its inner member to place thetelescoping support member in an extended or telescoped position. In theexemplary embodiment, a first removable display hoist is coupled to afirst telescoping support member and a second removable display hoist iscoupled to a second telescoping support member, and each display hoistis actuated in tandem, such that the overhead display mounted atop eachtelescoping support member is raised to a presentation level.

As indicated above, the method may be embodied in program code. Theprogram code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on atangible computer readable storage medium, such as a disc or a memorydevice, e.g. an EEPROM, (for example, that could replace part of memory103) or as a data signal (for example, by transmitting it from aserver). Further different parts of the program code can be executed bydifferent devices, for example in a client server relationship. Personsskilled in the art, will appreciate that program code provides a seriesof instructions executable by the processor.

Exemplary embodiments of a system, method, and article of manufacturefor electronic gaming as well as a removable display hoist and displaysystem including a plurality of display hoists and related componentsare described above in detail. The disclosure is not limited to thespecific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of thesystems and/or articles and/or steps of the methods may be utilizedindependently and separately from other components and/or stepsdescribed herein. For example, the configuration of components describedherein may also be used in combination with other processes, and is notlimited to practice with the systems, articles, and related methods asdescribed herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implementedand utilized in connection with many applications in which a game orbonus game is desired.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is forconvenience only. In accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed incombination with any feature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments ofthe present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable anyperson skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including makingand using any devices or systems and performing any incorporatedmethods. The patentable scope of the embodiments described herein isdefined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur tothose skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be withinthe scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do notdiffer from the literal language of the claims, or if they includeequivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from theliteral language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display hoist comprising: a first clampconfigured to be coupled to a first portion of a telescoping supportmember; a second clamp configured to be coupled to a second portion ofthe telescoping support member; and an actuator assembly extendingbetween the first clamp and the second clamp, the actuator assemblycomprising: an actuator motor; a piston including a first end and asecond end, the first end of the piston mechanically coupled to thefirst clamp, the second end of the piston operably coupled to theactuator motor; and a housing disposed over at least a portion of thepiston and enclosing the actuator motor, the housing including a top endand a bottom end, the housing mechanically coupled at the top end to thesecond clamp.
 2. The display hoist of claim 1, further comprising adisplay hoist controller communicatively coupled to the actuator motor,the display hoist controller configured to control the actuator motor.3. The display hoist of claim 1, wherein the actuator motor is a linearactuator.
 4. The display hoist of claim 1, wherein the first portion ofthe telescoping support member is an inner member of the telescopingsupport member, and wherein the first clamp is configured to be coupledto the inner member.
 5. The display hoist of claim 1, wherein the secondportion of the telescoping support member is an outer member disposed atleast partially about the inner member, and wherein the second clamp isconfigured to be coupled to the outer member.
 6. The display hoist ofclaim 1, wherein the first clamp comprises: a first flange; a secondflange; and at least one fastener configured to be coupled between thefirst flange and the second flange, such that the at least one fastenerextends through the first portion of the telescoping support member, andsuch that the first portion of the telescoping support member is securedbetween the first flange and the second flange.
 7. The display hoist ofclaim 1, wherein the second clamp comprises: a first flange; a secondflange; and at least one fastener configured to be coupled between thefirst flange and the second flange, such that the at least one fastenerextends through the second portion of the telescoping support member,and such that the second portion of the telescoping support member issecured between the first flange and the second flange.
 8. A systemcomprising: a display; a first telescoping support member configured tosupport the display, the first telescoping support member including aninner member and an outer member, the outer member disposed at leastpartially about the inner member, the outer member coupled to thedisplay; a second telescoping support member configured to support thedisplay, the second telescoping support member including an inner memberand an outer member, the outer member disposed at least partially aboutthe inner member, the outer member coupled to the display; a firstdisplay hoist coupled to the first telescoping support member andconfigured to raise the display on the first telescoping support member;and a second display hoist coupled to the second telescoping supportmember and configured to raise the display on the second telescopingsupport member.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first displayhoist comprises: a first clamp configured to be coupled to the innermember of the first telescoping support member; a second clampconfigured to be coupled to the outer member of the first telescopingsupport member; and an actuator assembly extending between the firstclamp and the second clamp, the actuator assembly comprising: anactuator motor; a piston including a first end and a second end, thefirst end of the piston mechanically coupled to the first clamp, thesecond end of the piston operably coupled to the actuator motor; and ahousing disposed over at least a portion of the piston and enclosing theactuator motor, the housing including a top end and a bottom end, thehousing mechanically coupled at the top end to the second clamp.
 10. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the actuator motor of the first display hoistis a linear actuator.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the seconddisplay hoist comprises: a first clamp configured to be coupled to theinner member of the second telescoping support member; a second clampconfigured to be coupled to the outer member of the second telescopingsupport member; and an actuator assembly extending between the firstclamp and the second clamp, the actuator assembly comprising: anactuator motor; a piston including a first end and a second end, thefirst end of the piston mechanically coupled to the first clamp, thesecond end of the piston operably coupled to the actuator motor; and ahousing disposed over at least a portion of the piston and enclosing theactuator motor, the housing including a top end and a bottom end, thehousing mechanically coupled at the top end to the second clamp.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the actuator motor of the second displayhoist is a linear actuator.
 13. The system of claim 8, furthercomprising a display hoist controller communicatively coupled to thefirst display hoist and the second display hoist, the display hoistcontroller configured to control the first display hoist and the seconddisplay hoist.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein the first displayhoist is further coupled between the inner member and the outer memberof the first telescoping member, and wherein the second display hoist isfurther coupled between the inner member and the outer member of thesecond telescoping member.
 15. A method for hoisting a display, themethod comprising: receiving, by a display hoist controller, aninstruction to raise a display from a lower position to an elevatedposition; and actuating, by the display hoist controller and inresponse, a first display hoist, the first display hoist comprising: afirst clamp; a second clamp; an actuator motor; a piston including afirst end and a second end, the first end of the piston mechanicallycoupled to the first clamp, the second end of the piston operablycoupled to the actuator motor; and a housing disposed over at least aportion of the piston and enclosing the actuator motor, the housingincluding a top end and a bottom end, the housing mechanically coupledat the top end to the second clamp.
 16. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising actuating, by the display hoist controller and in response tothe receiving, a second display hoist, the second display hoistcomprising: a first clamp; a second clamp; an actuator motor; a pistonincluding a first end and a second end, the first end of the pistonmechanically coupled to the first clamp, the second end of the pistonoperably coupled to the actuator motor; and a housing disposed over atleast a portion of the piston and enclosing the actuator motor, thehousing including a top end and a bottom end, the housing mechanicallycoupled at the top end to the second clamp.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the actuator motor of the first display hoist is a linearactuator, and wherein the actuator motor of the second display hoist isa linear actuator.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the first displayhoist is configured to be coupled to the display on a first side of thedisplay.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the second display hoist isconfigured to be coupled to the display on a second side of the display.20. The method of claim 19, further comprising actuating, by the displayhoist controller, the first display hoist and a second display hoist intandem, such that the first side of the display and the second side ofthe display are raised at a uniform rate of ascent.